Looking for a special edition to your holiday meal?
Count Stephan von Neipperg fondly confesses his 13th-century château d’Aiguilhe is the sacred heart of his collection of several vineyards, which he all loves like children. The outstanding Cabernet Franc & Merlot grapes produced by this favourite child are admired for their rich and truthful expressions of the land; for he says “This is the kingdom of Merlot.”
‘I am convinced the Castillon terroir here is underestimated because it is later ripening than St-Emilion,’ says Neipperg. ‘Growers prefer lighter, precocious soils because they are easier and more reliable. But now, with techniques such as leaf removal, you can get earlier ripening in Castillon. Obviously, if you overcrop, as many estates here do, you’ll have the struggle to obtain ripe grapes. The wines always have higher acidity than St-Emilion, so you must have excellent maturity to balance it.’
Stephan von Neipperg owns several other Bordeaux wine properties in St. Emilion including Canon La Gaffeliere, La Mondotte, and Clos de l’Oratoire as well as property in Pessac Leognan and Sauternes.
Château D'Aiguilhe
Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux 2016
85% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc
$82.99 per bottle
Sustainable viticulture and a biodynamic approach characterize vineyard management by Stephan von Neipperg. The 2016 vintage in Côtes de Castillon produced wines with structure and age-ability. Cabernet Franc is blended alongside Merlot to add complex peppery flavours and a more dynamic finish.
NOSE
Gorgeous notes of dark currant, crushed plum, mint, vanilla bean and fresh violet.
TASTE
Vigorous and fruity with big beautiful flavours of dark fruit and a touch of dark chocolate. This powerful wine reflects its terroir with intensity and panache.
PAIRING
Christmas rib roast with bacon Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes.
Wine Advocate: 92 The 2016 Chateau d'Aiguilhe is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked from 30 September until 18 October, matured in 30% new oak. It has a warm and sensual bouquet: small macerated black cherries, blueberry and sloes, a light floral tincture emerging with time. This has a little more strictness compared to the 2015 last year. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and good body. Sappy black fruit, a touch of spice towards the finish, and you have yourself a very fine Cotes de Castillon.
Vinous: 92 The 2016 d'Aiguilhe is gorgeous. A rush of cherry, red plum, espresso, sweet spice and flowers makes a strong first impression. Plump, juicy and beautifully resonant in the glass, the 2016 hits all the right notes. This succulent, inviting wine is a terrific effort from Stephan von Neipperg and his team. Tasted two times.
Wine Spectator: 94 Well-formed and integrated already, with a fleshy edge and good energy throughout. Features plum, anise and blackberry fruit, accented by a streak of bramble. A tasty wine in the making.
Decanter: 91 This takes its time to open in the glass, slowly revealing its flavours one at a time, starting with tight, dark-fleshed brambly fruits and chocolate. Polished, glossy and vibrant.
James Suckling: 92 Dense and silky with a polished and refined tannin backbone. Medium body, beautiful fruit and a soft-textured finish.